Recent studies report that singing together builds strong social bonds and promotes wellness. The diverse community of singers in the music nonprofit Sweet Adelines International would agree.
For many people, a mention of barbershop singing conjures an image of four men in striped vests and straw hats, but that stereotype is far from the truth of barbershop music today.
The 2019 Sweet Adelines International Champion Quartet ClassRing, are just one example of a barbershop group which doesn’t look anything like the cliché. The members of ClassRing: tenor Michaela Slamka-Johnston, lead Heather Havens, baritone Mary Duncan, and bass Hailey Parks say the impact of barbershop singing is uniquely valuable, both to themselves and communities.
Mary Duncan
How has being part of this quartet and organization helped you through challenges?
We began this journey during a time of life that was, and still is, characterized by constant change. Together, we have experienced graduations of high school and college, deaths of parents and grandparents, marriages, breakups, engagements, babies, moving cross country, and just about anything else one can imagine. A challenge we have faced through all of that is making sure we maintain a life balance we are each happy with while also making sure we stay committed and dedicated to our shared goals. We have to constantly communicate about the state of that balance and how we can support each other.
Why do you think it is important for communities to invest in the arts?
ClassRing has had the amazing opportunity to travel around the United States getting to know young people at educational and youth harmony events for several years now. We are able to meet people of all different backgrounds, home lives, aspirations, personalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We get to work with them all and see them for the amazing, talented, and unique individuals they all are. It is truly indescribable to see such diverse groups of driven young people all working toward a common goal: singing barbershop the best that they can. Many of them have reached out to us to tell us just how huge of an impact barbershop and these educational events have had on their lives. Investing in the arts not only changes lives but saves them as well.
Hailey Parks
How has being part of this quartet and organization helped you through challenges?
We were friends when we first started as a quartet, and our friendship and love for one another has grown ever since! That strong bond helps us work through any challenges. Whether it be personal struggles, life changes, quartet struggles, travel stress, or scheduling, we get through it by leaning on each other and communicating.
You have been mentored by and continue to sing alongside experienced singers. How has that impacted you as a singer and as music educators/mentors to younger singers?
Being mentored by experienced singers has helped us tremendously on our journey! All of us were in choir or orchestra in grade school, so that gave us a knowledge base. When we all started in Sweet Adelines, learning, singing, and performing next to experienced singers helped that foundation of knowledge grow. As a quartet, we have had people mentor us whose experience and advice has been invaluable. We certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without them!
Michaela Slamka-Johnston
What impact have you seen music education and musical organizations like Sweet Adelines make in the lives of musicians of all ages, particularly those for whom music may not otherwise have been an option?
Young musicians have such incredible experiences in their school music programs, and after they graduate, they often feel like a big part of their lives is over. Sweet Adelines not only offers an additional outlet for students who love singing but a home for them to go to after they have graduated.
What are some of the rewards of being part of Sweet Adelines International?
Meeting people from all walks of life, from all over the world, and getting to connect with them over the common love of music. Working hard to create music together is such an emotional experience, and that kind of connection with people who are different than you creates a bond and understanding. In times where everyone seems divided, people creating beauty in the world is so important, and it really helps to bring people together.
Why do you think it is important for communities to invest in the arts?
Not only has it been proven time and time again that involvement in the arts improves student test scores, but the arts also provide a feeling of community and belonging for people involved and for people who attend performances and events.